When inspecting my second hive today, which is an overwintered hive of Russians, I noticed these queen cells on one of the frames in the bottom deep. I did also find queen cells on the middle/top of another frame that I didn't take a picture of. I cant be sure, but it seemed like there were less bees in my two deeps than I remember. I did find capped brood and larvae in both top and bottom deep, but I am bad at spotting eggs. I did not see the queen, but I'm also bad at spotting her as well. The hive seemed pretty quiet, no "roar" that I noticed.
Do you all think the original queen has swarmed with some of the hive?
If not, should I take that frame with all the queen cells and make up a nuc? Split the hive and divide the frames 50/50?
Need some expert advice please!!!!


This is the frame I was referring to, both sides. Also, why the drone comb on the bottom by the queen cells???
Do you all think the original queen has swarmed with some of the hive?
If not, should I take that frame with all the queen cells and make up a nuc? Split the hive and divide the frames 50/50?
Need some expert advice please!!!!


This is the frame I was referring to, both sides. Also, why the drone comb on the bottom by the queen cells???